Abstract: An invalid bed guard sheet is presented for use with invalid beds having raisable guardrails. The guard sheet has a standard flat horizontal sheet which is placed over the mattress. Continuously attached to the sheet are left and right guard pads which may be folded over the guardrails. The inner and outer pads are then fastened to each other by means of buttons, VELCRO (TM) strips, or other fasteners. The guard sheet eliminates the gap between the mattress and the metal guard rails, thus making the bed safer for patients. The cushioning effect of the guard pads also makes the patient bed safer and more comfortable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for persons at risk of falling out of bed, and more particularly to a safety bed with dual purpose side panels which can be used as barriers for physical restraint, or which can alternatively allow the user to roll safely from the bed to the floor.

Abstract: A chair bed for supporting a person is provided, the chair bed having a head end, afoot end, and opposing sides. The chair bed includes a frame and a deck supported on the frame. The deck includes head, seat, and foot sections. A mattress is mounted on the deck and has an upwardly-facing patient surface. The mattress also has head, seat, and foot portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat, and foot sections of the deck. The head section of the deck and the mattress portion thereon is pivotable from a generally horizontal down position through various positions upwardly to a back-support position. A pair of side rails is mounted on each side of the chair bed. Each pair of side rails includes a body section side rail mounted to move with the deck seat section and extending laterally adjacent the deck head and seat sections and a head section side rail mounted to move with the deck head section relative to the body section side rail and extending adjacent only the deck head section.

Abstract: Provided herein are bed split side guards with adjacent units presenting at least partly curved ends so as to essentially follow a circular arc shape having its center at the pivot point of one of the sections of the bed mattress deck, thus providing a minimal spacing between the split side guard units during articulation and at any position of the mattress deck, hence preventing patient movement or entrapment through the bed side guard gaps.

Abstract: A rail structure includes two tubes each movably mounted on one of two bases and each having a catch mounted on an upper portion thereof. Two fasteners each have a lower portion detachably mounted on one of the two catches. Two supporting braces each have a first distal end attached to one of the two fasteners. A pivot bracket has two distal ends each pivotally engaged with a second distal end of one of the two supporting braces. L-shaped first and second resting rails each have a vertical section mounted on an upper portion of one of the two fasteners. A tubular block is mounted around one distal end of a horizontal section of the first resting rail and has a first transmission member rotatably mounted thereon. A second transmission member is rotatably mounted on one distal end of a horizontal section of the second resting rail and is pivotally engaged with the first transmission member.

Abstract: A collapsible children's bed rail which can conveniently be disassembled for storage and transport. The bed rail has a side panel made up of two detachable sections which snap together to form a continuous panel when in use and can be stored in face to face relationship when separated. A pair of supports attach to the bottom of the assembled side panel and extend perpendicular to it and fit underneath the mattress of the bed with which the bed rail is to be used and hold the side panel in operative position. The supports may be collapsed so that their components lie in face to face relationship, and they can be stored in cavities in the bottoms of the panel sections when detached from the side panel.

Abstract: A protective cover for removable placement over the restraining side rails of a hospital bed. The cover is made of a foamed plastic core covered by a soft material with the cover being foldable over the top of the side rail and hook and eye means positioned at each end and at the sides of the cover to secure the cover on the side rail.

Abstract: A self-retaining bumper pad for a bed is fabricated from elongated body of a soft, flexible material and includes a retention portion which fits between a side wall of the bed and an edge of the mattress and functions to hold the bumper pad in place. The pad further includes a shield portion which projects from the retention portion and overlies the side wall of the bed. The bumper pad cushions the side wall and also prevents a person who is in the bed from pushing an arm or a leg through the side wall of the bed.

Abstract: An essentially weightless hospital youth crib side gate having a latch mechanism requiring a compound sequential motion for release. A pair of spring powered reels are attached at opposite ends of the lower horizontal frame member of a side gate of a hospital youth crib and the spring powered wire cables are attached to the side gate crib track which is mounted to the crib frame. The spring powered reels counterbalance the weight of the side gate producing an essentially "weightless" side gate. The gate further includes a latch release mechanism whereby a push button must first be fully depressed before a pair of latch handles can be brought together to fully release the latch rods which hold the side gate in a predetermined position. Only after both motions have been sequentially performed can the side gate be raised or lowered. Operating the latch requires only a single adult hand and is very difficult to be operated by a child, even if the child were to use both hands.

Abstract: An improvement for a standard hospital bed having a guard rail which provides for gap space, such improvement being a closure mounted on the bed rail at a gap and movable between a first position maintaining the gap and a second position closing the gap to prevent patient movement through such gap.

Abstract: A guard for a bed rail includesa first generally rectangular flat inflatable member having opposite elongated sides and opposite ends perpendicular to the first member sides and first and second generally rectangular non-inflatable flat elongated like strips. Each strip is much narrower than the first member. Each strip extends along a corresponding side of the first member and is secured thereto. A second generally rectangular flat inflatable member having opposite elongated sides and opposite ends perpendicular to the second member sides, extends in the same direction as the first member. One side of the second member is disposed adjacent, parallel and secured to one of the first and second strips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support mechanism that may be installed onto a conventional bed to assist a person into and out of a bed. The support mechanism comprises a tubular support member formed with a pair of vertical and substantially parallel legs, each of which is adapted to fasten to the vertical extending portion of a side rail. The support mechanism may further comprise a clamp which is adapted to connect one of the legs to the bed post.

Abstract: A patient transfer device comprises a cushioned chair with wheels that facilitates patient transfer in and out of a hospital clinical bed. The patient transfer device provides an entirely different method of transferring patients that avoids lifting the total body weight of the patient and that provides the maximum comfort for the patient.

Abstract: A support apparatus including a main frame member extending in a generally vertical plane, a support frame member detachably connected to a bottom of the main frame member, and a foot connected to the main frame member so as to support the main frame member in a generally vertical plane. The main frame member has a top rail extending from a back rail toward the front rail at an acute angle. The support frame member extends horizontally rearwardly of the back rail. A mid-rail extends horizontally from the back rail to the front rail and is positioned below the top rail and above the foot. The foot includes a first flat plate affixed to the support frame member adjacent the connection with the main frame member and a second flat plate affixed to the support frame member rearwardly of the first flat plate. These flat plates extend in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A manual support apparatus attachable to a bedframe. The manual support device includes a support tube having at least two legs, and at least two fastening members which are adapted for attachment to the bedframe. The fastening members are secured to the support tube legs. In another embodiment, the manual support apparatus includes a support tube without separate leg portions, wherein the fastening members are secured to support tube body. At least two means for attaching the fastening members to the bedframe are provided. The support tube is shaped to conform to at least one corner of the bedframe. The apparatus provides a secure and stable method for a user/patient to transfer into and out of bed, particularly hospital beds, independently and enhance in-bed mobility.

Abstract: A bed having a mattress and a vertical wall extending about the entire periphery of the mattress. The wall includes lightweight panels disposed in one or more courses. A gate is provided in one section of the wall by gate panels hingedly mounted at one end and latchably mounted at an opposite end. Panels other than gate panels are rigidly mounted in place with respect to one another. Each panel has a rigid structural exterior section and an interior padded section. The padded sections are disposed so that padding is provided over substantially the entire interior side of the wall when the panels are assembled in the walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the development of bed sores, and once developed, successfully treating them, composed partly of an rigid elongate member which is transversely disposed across a hospital bed, wherein each end of the elongate member is engaged with a respective side rail of the hospital bed. The apparatus is further composed partly of a depression member which substantially vertically depends from the elongate member so as to depressably abut the mattress of the hospital bed. The depression member may be selectively located anywhere along the elongate member, and is preferably held abuttingly with respect to the elongate member by a frictional interface therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support mechanism that may be installed onto a conventional bed and/or a hospital bed frame to assist a person into and out of a bed. The support mechanism comprises a tubular support member formed with a pair of vertical and substantially parallel legs, each of which is adapted to fasten to the bed frame.

Abstract: A sideguard pad for use in conjunction with a hospital bed having sideguards comprising a slipcover having one compartment adapted to fit over the sideguard, and a pad disposed in another compartment of the slipcover which positions the pad inboard of the sideguard. The pad is a slab of polyurethane foam which substantially covers the vertical plane of the sideguard, and includes an upper lip which substantially covers the upper edge of the sideguard. The slipcover is fabricated of urethane coated nylon or urethane coated polyester and includes zippers for removably inserting the pad within the slip cover, and Velcro.RTM. closures for securing the sideguard pad to the sideguard. Apertures are provided in the sideguard pad for accessing hospital bed controls located on the sideguard.

Abstract: A wrestling bed provides a defined and restricted area for childrens's vigorous activities, thus serving to protect other articles from accidental damage due to such vigorous play. The wrestling bed is solidly constructed in order to resist damage from active play, which might damage standard bed frames. The wrestling bed includes a platform sized to provide a central area fitting a mattress of standard configuration and includes peripheral tread pads, corner posts and padding, peripheral ropes, and steps at one side of the platform. The wrestling bed has the general appearance of a wrestling or boxing ring, thereby lending some realism to children's wrestling or play therein, while providing copious padding and protection for children playing therein. The mattress, although substantially softer and more resilient than a real wrestling ring surface, provides greater protection and further doubles as a standard bedding mattress.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a frame mounted on a base. Articulating head, seat and leg patient support panels are mounted on the frame. Side guards are mounted on the panels. Patient support panels have longitudinal edges that are collapsible to narrow the bed for transporting a patient. The side guards are inwardly movable to contribute to the narrowing of the bed while still protecting the patient from falling out of the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevating convertible wheelchair which converts to a flat bed to facilitate movement of a patient from the converted flat bed to a regular patient bed. The backrest hingedly pivots in relation to the seat portion to move into a co-planar relationship with the seat and forms a flat bed. A detachable headrest is engaged with the upper part of the back support for extension, when required. A secondary backrest support hingedly attaches to a free end of the backrest and pivots downwardly to rest on the floor and support the free end of the backrest. An elevating mechanism carried by a lower frame of the wheelchair allows elevation of the seat portion to a desired level. A connecting panel attaches to a side of the converted wheelchair to close a space between the flat bed and the adjacent side of the regular patient bed.

Abstract: A bed rail cover system including a bed rail having a framework with a plurality of rails and a cover positionable over the framework. The cover is of unitary construction, includes an attachment flap engageable with one of the rails to secure the cover in position on the framework, and includes an aperture therein to provide access to a control panel or other equipment in the framework. Optionally the cover can include a cover flap for the aperture, which cover flap can be similar to the other cover material or can be a transparent, flexible cover for visual and operational access through the transparent, flexible cover flap.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a patient operated linear positioner, a rail assembly and a leg lift mechanism. The patient operated linear positioner includes a subassembly with a bellcrank which pivots by a patient operated soft strap. When the strap is pulled, the bellcrank pushes a cable inward which, in turn, releases a positioner rod so that the bed may be adjusted. The side rail assembly includes a J-shaped attachment bar and an idler link which acts to move the side rail both upward and forward when the head section of the adjustable bed is raised. A bed side rail may be attached to a bed frame through the use of a unique attachment mechanism which requires no tools. A further aspect of the invention utilizes a scissors-type leg lifting mechanism for holding and controlling the rate of collapsing movement of the foot section of a bed mattress frame. The leg lifting mechanism includes a mechanical lock and gas piston subassembly.

Abstract: A gurney, or hospital cart, is disclosed that is characterized as being made predominantly of materials that are non-metallic, non magnetic, and of low electrical conductivity. Such a feature is of particular importance in those health care facilities wherein modern non-invasive body scanning equipment is in use, such equipment as provides imaging based on NMR, MRI, and the like, especially wherein large-scale superconducting magnets are in use.

Abstract: A bed rail cover system including a bed rail having a framework with a plurality of rails and a cover positionable over the framework. The cover is of unitary multi-wall construction and includes an attachment flap engageable with one of the rails to secure the cover in position on the framework.

Abstract: A portable infant hammock/bassinette and suspension assembly is disclosed comprising a supporting/suspending stand and a bed structure suspended therefrom. Optimally, the framing elements for the stand and the bed are constructed of lightweight PVC furniture pipe in a manner permitting disassembly for ease of portability.

Abstract: A standard hospital bed having a collapsible guard rail which provides for gap space which improvement is a telescoping extender mounted on the guard rail and movable between two positions one of which is in the gap defining position and the other position which closes the gap to prevent unintentional movement through such gap by a patient.

Abstract: A rotating positioning platform apparatus for providing stimultion to a client population consisting of non-ambulatory persons having a mental age in the range of zero to five years. The apparatus consists of a rotating platform having a mattress therein and a bolster mounted on the periphery thereof to permit one or more of said persons to be placed and remain comfortable. A pole and canopy is mounted above said rotating platform. Under the canopy there are formed a number of quadrants each one of which is provided with a source of stimulation such as feel, sight, and sound. As the platform is rotated the person thereon is subject to each different kind of stimuli in sequence when the pole is stationary.

Abstract: A flotation therapy bed having a two part construction that includes an upper shell and a lower shell joined along a parting line by a circumferentially extending gasket. The upper shell has a downwardly bowed bottom wall and the lower shell has a flat bottom wall with a large central opening that accommodates the bottom wall of the upper shell when the bed is assembled. Manipulation of a handle releases a pair of springs that drive a hand rail upwardly into its deployed position to prevent a patient from falling out of the bed. A subsequent manipulation of the handle draws the hand rail back into its retracted position. The top edge of the bed is recessed to accommodate the hand rails when lowered.

Abstract: The invention comprises a form fitting slipcover secured about a side rail of the type commonly found on hospital beds, and having the portion of the slipcover facing the person in the bed padded to protect that person from injurious contact with the side rail, and provides a bolster which is removably attached to the slipcover by means of an elongated sheet of material, preferably of the same material as the rest of the device, such that when the bolster is at rest on the bed, between its occupant and the edge of the bed, it tends to inhibit tossing and turning of the occupant toward the bed rail, and more importantly prevents the patient from inadvertently placing or causing their limbs to be wedged between the mattress frame and the metal support for the side rail, and includes a length of material interconnecting the bolster and slipcover which, in the usual case, is about ten (10) inches in length, and allows the side rail to be placed in the down position without hindrance, due to the face that the bols

Abstract: A bed side-guard assembly for a bed with bed frame memebrs comprises a side rail which extends generally along the length of the bed in the vertical plane. The side rail is supported by downwardly depending legs. A cross brace extends generally across the width of the bed in the horizontal plane. The ends of the cross brace have receiving means to receive the side rail legs. Attaching means for securing the cross brace to the bed frame members are mounted on each end of the cross brace. The attaching means includes a housing and resilient means. The housing features a nose end which fits beneath a portion of the bed frame member while the resilient means grippingly engages the bed frame member between the nose end and the resilient means.

Abstract: Guard rail actuated safety apparatus (42, FIG. 1; 89, FIGS. 5A and 5B) is operative to prevent simultaneous lowering of both of a pair of guard rails (26, 28) to inoperative positions in which they are ineffective to prevent a patient from falling off the edge of a patient support assembly 12. In one embodiment, the guard rails are secured together by a cable (44) which holds the guard rails against concurrent lowering. In an electromechanical embodiment, a controller (89, FIG. 5) senses the guard rail (26, 28) position, and blocks the lowering of either guard rail (26, 28) whenever the other is lowered. In addition, or alternatively, the controller (89) actuates a brake 146, sounds an alarm (136), raises the guard rails (26, 28) after a time delay (158), deactuates a drive motor (118) for a movable or adjustable patient support assembly (12) or releases air from a pneumatic mattress (12A').

Abstract: A core material for bed comprising a mat portion made of molded synthetic resin foam having a multiplicity of concavo-convexities in its surface and a supporting base portion also made of molded synthetic resin foam and disposed under said mat portion and having a multiplicity of vertical cutouts therein. Also disclosed is a bed comprised of the core material, the surface of which is decorated. The bed of the present invention is very light and has a proper cushioning property and thus it is not only easy to move and handle, but also it has no risk of damaging a floor, carpet, etc., and further, no risk of suffering any injury from stumbling over or hitting against it.

Abstract: An invalid bed includes a monolithic, one-piece base unit that has a support section and a rail section that extends above that support section for a height that is sufficient to prevent an adult patient to climb over the rails yet is low enough so the bed is stable. A door is hingeably attached to the base unit to permit ingress and egress of a adult.

Abstract: A cubicle bed for protectively confining a traumatically brain injured patient or the like. The cubicle bed includes a two-part rectangular base having a padded upper surface atop which the patient rests and also includes removable upright padded end panels connectable to each end of each part of the base and pivotally openable and removable padded side doors. The end panels and doors, when in place and closed, form a fully padded perimeter wall around the edges of the base which are sized in height above the base so that the patient's view of the surrounding activity outside the cubicle bed is limited.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a penumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A mat assembly is constructed so as to be tilted about a longitudinal axis by means of a pair of inflatable air bags. The mat assembly has an upper air cushion sheet mounted upon a frame, a lower air cushion sheet provided upon the underside of the frame, and a pair of air bags disposed upon the underside of the lower air cushion sheet at right and left thereof as viewed in the longitudinal direction. By supplying air to a bag upon one side and by discharging air from the bag upon the other side, the mat assembly is tilted.

Abstract: A bumper sheet includes an array of pockets in which relatively soft yet form-retaining inserts (such as foam plastic cylinders or inflatable bladders) are removably fitted to define a bumper area enclosing a sleeping or rest area within the confines of a crib, bed rails or the like.

Abstract: A bed guard for temporary use to reduce the risk of falling out of bed comprises at least one elongated bolster operatively assembled on top of a conventional mattress and releasably held in operative position along one side of the bed by a conventional bedsheet covering the mattress and the bolster and tucked under the mattress. A plurality of bolsters may be used on each side of the bed for additional protection.

Abstract: A protective covering assembly for removable placement over a bed restraining side rail, made of spaced members, has lengths of preformed pipe insulation, cut and fitted about the spaced members, to provide surrounding padding for them. Thereafter, sheets of heavy duty plastic upholstery are cut, sewn, and fitted up, across, down, and under, the padded bed restraining side rail, as an envelope, to provide a surrounding, restraining, easily cleaned, protective covering. Then to provide for the removal of the covering assembly, an openable fastening assembly is secured to the plastic upholstery, which when opened, serves to clear the envelope from the padded space members of the restraining side rails, during their relative movement.

Abstract: A pendent assembly is disclosed for suspending from a hospital room ceiling to provide various services used in a hospital operating room. The pendent has a distribution head with outlets for such services, including, for example, electrical, gas and vacuum outlets and which is moveable upwardly and downwardly through a motive means operated by personnel using the pendant. An automatic stop mechanism is included and which comprises one or more sets of electrical contacts interposed between upper and lower housings in the distribution head. The lower housing is suspended from the upper housing at a predetermined distance therefrom and is moveable over that predetermined distance with respect to the upper housing. When the distribution head is lowered such that it encounters an obstruction, the lower head is forced upwardly and the contacts between the housings contact each other to complete an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A pad for protecting an infant is provided with a panel having opposite sides that are spaced to provide a flat support surface large enough for receiving the infant, such as a sleeping or supine infant, to enable changing of the clothes worn by the infant, for example. The panel has a continuous edge that is defined by the terminus of the sides and that extends away from the support surface. An endless roll having a relatively uniform cross-sectional shape extends around the edge to completely enclose the flat support surface. The roll includes an elongated blanket that is multiple-folded into a serpentine cross-sectional configuration. A cover surrounds and holds the elongated pad in such serpentine cross-sectional configuration. The cover has overlapping elongated ends.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing subconscious integumental reflex action to keep children away from a guard rail while sleeping on a bunk bed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to convert a crib to a bed, the crib having walls one of which is removable vertically relative to a supporting vertical guide rod proximate one end corner of the crib, the crib also having a horizontal pad and a supporting horizontal frame including a frame member extending beneath a side of the pad, the apparatus comprising(a) first arm structure having a first section that extends in supported relation with the upright rod, and a second section that extends generally horizontally above the level of the side of the pad,(b) the arm structure also having an associated third section extending downwardly from the second section and in spaced relation to an opposite end corner of the crib, said third section having attachment to the frame member,(c) and a step at least partly supported by the arm third section, the step downwardly offset relative to an upper surface defined by the pad.

Abstract: A retainer sheet includes an array of pockets in which cylindrically shaped foam members are removably inserted to define a retainer structure enclosing a sleeping area. The foam units can be removed for laundering and can be positioned in abutting relationship to form a self-locking configuration.

Abstract: A hospital bed having a storable safety rail is provided. The bed includes a frame having a pair of laterally extending slide tubes mounted thereto. A pair of mounting shafts are positioned within the tubes and secure the safety rail to the frame. A stop member is positioned near the inner end of at least one of the tubes. The mounting shaft includes a projection which abuts the stop member when in a first rotational position, but is able to pass thereby when in a second rotational position. The stop member preferably includes an inclined surface opposing the inner end of the slide tube to urge the projection, and therefore the rail, outwardly as the mounting shafts rotate to move the rail to the raised position. A retraction spring is provided for urging the safety rail towards the bed frame while in the lowered position. The safety rail also includes a brake mechanism to resist the gravitational forces urging it downwardly from the raised position.

Abstract: A bed rail (A) includes a first vertical end member (10) and a second vertical end member (12) between which cross members (14, 16, 18) and telescopically received stub members (30, 32, 34) extend. The spacer member (B) is connected between free ends of some of the cross members to maintain the positional stability. A pair of brackets (C) slidingly receive the vertical end members. The brackets each includes a slot (64) which is dimensioned with an appropriate width to receive the cross members or the stub members adjacent their interconnection with the end members. A spring biased member (80) is biased by a spring (82) into engagement with a locking aperture (68) in the bracket. A bracket cam surface (66) cams the spring biased member inward as the bed side rail is raised. A knob (84) enables an operator to withdraw the spring biased member to lower the side rail.

Abstract: A multi-purpose weighted blanket for covering areas of beaches or like terrain comprising first and second flexible cloth panels substantially rectangular in shape and identical in size. The first and second cloth panels having a border extending continuously along the outer perimeter edges thereof forming a reinforced retaining pocket for securing an anchoring device thereto. The anchoring device includes a non-metallic tube filled with a liquid weight such as water. The non-metallic tube has a memory for restoring the tube to its original configuration upon the removal of an external force acting thereon. The anchoring devices operates to aid an individual in positioning the blanket as well as maintaining the blanket in its fully extended position. Additionally, the anchoring device prevents foreign particles such as sand or the like from soiling the reclining surface of the blanket.

Abstract: A universal bedside rail Clamp for securing a bedside rail assembly to a hospital or other bed, having a base member for engagement with an angle iron bed frame, a means to tighten the universal bedside rail Clamp to the angle iron bed frame and a means for the bedside rail assembly to pivot in relation to the universal bedside rail Clamp.